Victims found in River Road blast

Two bodies were found in the wreckage of a home on River Road in Damascus Township, just across the Upper Delaware River from the hamlet of Callicoon, NY.

Neighbors at the scene said the deceased were Carol and Frank Kay, who owned the Callicoon Flea Market and had been in the process of trying to sell it.

Barbara Donatelli, who is the bookkeeper for The River Reporter and a friend of the couple, said the blast, which occurred at about 10:30 p.m. on June 15, was very loud, and the house was almost immediately engulfed in flames.

On the morning of June 16, the Wayne County Coroner was on the scene and emergency workers were keeping people and members of the media away from the scene.

Donatelli said it was a gas explosion but the specific cause was not known.

Another neighbor, Rich O'Dell, said the couple was well-known and well liked in the area and involved in the community, and "all around good people."

Another couple that lives in the neighborhood was out with the Kays earlier in the evening and dropped them off at home about a half hour before the explosion.

A statement issued by Pennsylvania State Police on June 16 said,

"This station is investigating an Explosion and Fire at the above location. Neighbors reported the home exploding and catching fire at 2209HRS on 06/15/14. (2) Two individuals perished in the explosion. The home and its contents were destroyed. The explosion appeared to be caused by propane gas, further investigation pending.

"Anyone with information is asked to contact the PSP Honesdale 570/253-7126 or PSP Fire Marshal Unit at 570/963-3156."